Gary Wayne Bowman Sr. affectionately known as “ Tubby” passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026.
Gary was born on October 14, 1965, in Hopkinsville to the late Mr. Edward and Mrs. Sallie Mae Bowman. Gary accepted Christ at an early age. He was an alumnus of Hopkinsville High School, where he excelled as a baseball player. Gary loved watching WWE Monday Night Raw and WWE Smack Down he couldn’t wait to see his favorite wrestler John Cena.
After graduating, Gary started his career at Jennie Stuart Hospital. He was a faithful employee for over 30 years. He was a vibrant man with a big heart and a mesmerizing smile. Gary never met a stranger. “Tubby “ was united to the late Sonya Babb; with this union came three wonderful children. A father every child dreams of having. An amazing grandfather to his grandchildren. He loved doing Tik-Tok dances, playing outside, and watching wrestling with them. “The Grill Master,” he loved it!!! He had to get suited up in his Miami Dolphins gear before he could cook anything. A true diehard Miami Dolphin fan. Tubby was a loving son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, husband, and friend. His memory will forever be remembered and cherished by his beloved family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bowman, Sisters: Diana Gray, Katherine Bronaugh, Brothers: Howard Davie, Peter Davie, Leroy Davie, James Bowman, David Bowman, Clarence Bowman Children Mother, Sonya Babb
Survivors include one sister: Ollie Mae Herring (Indianapolis Indiana) Wife: Michelle Bowman (Hopkinsville Ky) Daughters: Jerri Joiner ( North Carolina ), Kiisona Babb and Tubnisha Bowman Trump ( Richard) all of Hopkinsville Ky Step-Daughter’s: Kenisha Wallace and Eiesha Whitlock (Hopkinsville Ky)Sons: Daron Wilbert ( Richmond Virginia), O’Bryant Tyler ( Trigg County), Gary Bowman Jr, Jaquavius Whitlock( Hopkinsville Ky) and Jaeden Holmes ( Clarksville Tenn) Step-Son’s: Michael Turnley, Montreal Sharber, George Sharber, Kenneth Wallace all of ( Clarksville Tennessee 22 grandchildren and a host of family and friends. Special Friends: Derrick Gee, Carlos Wilson, Steve Bailey, and James Collins.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Durrett Avenue Baptist Church at 11:00 am.
Funeral services will be on Saturday at noon.
Taylor’s Funeral Home in Hopkinsville is handling the arrangements.
